A radiology physician, better known as a radiologist, is a doctor who specializes in radiology, a branch of medicine that uses medical images to diagnose and treat diseases. Radiologists have a vast array of imaging techniques at their disposal and they are among the highest-paid physicians in the workforce.
Role
Radiologists make sure they evaluate patients' medical information to determine patients' risk factors or appropriate procedure, then they perform the imaging with the help of radiologic technicians or radiographers. The radiation used produces medical images for further interpretation, especially when combined with other medical information. The most common form of imaging technique that radiologists use is the x-ray, which is a form of electromagnetic radiation characterized by short wavelength. However, in some cases, other types of imaging are used, such as magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, to provide detailed internal structure; computed tomography to generate three-dimensional images from x-rays; and sound waves to examine bodily organs.
Specialization
Several specialties exist for radiologists to choose from, depending on areas or components of the human body. This includes breast cancer specialization; cardiovascular radiology, which concerns the heart and blood vessels; and genitourinary radiology, which focuses on the reproductive and urinary tracts.
Educational Requirements
Like other types of doctors, radiologists need the standard four years of undergraduate study, preferably in a pre-med program, then another four years in medical school. After graduation from medical school, graduates then enter a residency in radiology, which could last two to six years. Radiologists must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to earn the license to practice medicine, and the American Board of Radiology provides certification.
Salary
As of June 2010, salary.com reports that the median annual salary for radiologists is $389,000. Even radiologists ranked at the bottom 10 percent are handsomely compensated, with a median salary of $268,000. The top 10 percent, at the other end of the spectrum, make close to $500,000, according to salary.com.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics includes radiologists in the category of "Physicians and Surgeons," which it numbers at around 661,000. The agency expects a 20 percent boost in employment between 2008 and 2018, which is a much faster rate than what it projects for the U.S. workforce in general. Overall, job prospects for radiologists are excellent.
Tags: radiology which, four years, medical images, medical information, medical school, other types